President Obama participated last week in an Open for Question roundtable addressing questions submitted to Yahoo!, MSN Latino, AOL Latino and HuffPost LatinoVoices. Issues like the economy, job creation, education and fixing the immigration system were addressed.

Gov. Hickenlooper delivered remarks at the Great American Beer Festival VISIT Denver Luncheon. With 465 breweries serving 2,400 beers in one-ounce pours, the GABF brings together the brewers and beers that make the U.S. the world’s greatest brewing nation.

Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock will address the attendees of the Awards Luncheon for the Latino Small Business Summit on Oct. 6 at the PPA Event Center. The Mayor will be followed by keynote speaker Linda Alvarado, President and CEO of Alvarado Construction and Co-owner of the Colorado Rockies. During the luncheon, the Latino Small Business Summit will honor two Latino Business owners with the Dream Big Award and the Empresaria Latina Award.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver announced that it is in opposition of Initiative 300, which would mandate that employers within the City & County of Denver provide paid sick and safe time leave to all employees (including part-time and temporary employees).

The Hispanic Chamber President and CEO, James Mejía, stated, “The Chamber’s Public Policy Committee has been working really hard to make sure important issues facing businesses and our members are voiced. This initiative would be costly to many businesses and does not take into account the different types of businesses and their needs.”

The Hispanic Chamber’s mission is to promote and advance the growth of Hispanic Business and realizes the negative effects that Initiative 300 could have on its members efforts to grow small business.

Denver Clerk and Recorder appointments

After conducting extensive national and local searches, Denver Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson announce the appointments of Amber F. McReynolds as Director of Elections and Juan Guzman as Deputy Clerk and Recorder.

Metro State Latino population accelerates

Metropolitan State College of Denver reaches record level of Latino undergraduate student enrollment —a 12 percent increase from 2010. This brings the College’s Latino enrollment to 18.2 percent (4,281 students) and overall students of color to 31.6 (7,443 students).

Metro State was recognized nationally in 2010 by Excelencia in Education as one of only four institutions that are emerging Hispanic Serving Institutions. Federal recognition as an HSI requires a 25 percent Latino undergraduate enrollment.

Candidate forum

A Denver School Board candidate forum will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. on Oct. 6 at Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele, Denver, CO 80205. Get to know the candidates who have the power to make decisions about your children’s future! Desserts, Spanish Interpretation & Child Care will be provided!

College application month

College In Colorado will host College Application Month during the month of October. The goal of College Application Month is to provide every graduating high school senior with the preparation and opportunity to apply to college, with the help of the resources available on www.CollegeInColorado.org.

To learn more about College Application Month and for more information about the scholarships and giveaways, go to www.CollegeInColorado.org and click on the College Application Month logo.

Denver water rates for 2012

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners voted on a water rate increase for 2012 to provide necessary funding for the utility’s capital projects. The new water rates will take effect January 2012 and will help the utility stay on top of needed projects to address its aging infrastructure.

Details of the 2012 rates can be found on Denver Water’s website (denverwater.org). Members of the public who have questions about the 2012 water rates may call 303-628-6320.

19th Annual Komen Denver Race for the Cure

Fifty thousand walkers and runners took to the streets of Denver Sunday morning decked out in pink regalia to honor, remember and celebrate those in their lives who are fighting or have fought breast cancer. This army of pink raised nearly $3 million for the care and treatment of themselves, their partners, sisters, daughters and friends suffering from this deadly disease.

Among these 50,000 walkers and runners, were approximately 3,000 breast cancer survivors. In addition, 502 teams of 10 persons or more participated in this year’s Race for the Cure event.

Survivor Diana Trujillo led the pack in fundraising efforts by raising $36,830, contributing to the $3 million total. Denver Komen is hoping to continue the fundraising momentum with their year-round text donation campaign. People can donate $10 by texting “Denver” to 90999. For more information, visit www.komendenver.org.

DU professor recognized

DU Spanish Professor Ralph DiFranco has spent decades unearthing poetry that has been buried in manuscripts and rare books for up to 400 years.

For his work, he’s been chosen as the recipient of the José Vasconcelos International Award, which is given each year by the Mexican cultural organization Frente de Afirmación Hispanista.

Since 1968, the award has been given to an “eminent Hispanist who has distinguished her/himself in promoting and expanding our awareness of Hispanic language, literature and culture,” according to the organization. Well-known past recipients include the Spanish poet-in-exile León Felipe (1968), the Argentinean writer Jorge Luis Borges (1973), the American film producer Samuel Bronston (1978) and the Venezuelan novelist Arturo Úslar Pietri (1988).

“I have unbounded excitement and profound humility,” DiFranco says. “Having your name mentioned and listed alongside that of Borges, for example, is truly an amazing and humbling experience.” DiFranco will receive the honor during a gold medal award ceremony at the Magnolia Hotel in Denver on Oct. 8.